South Carolina

South Carolina is famous for being the starting place of the Civil War. Today's South Carolina offers a wide range of activities from historical to beachy. Cruise the Myrtle Beach boardwalks and see the state's Palmetto trees, or visit the stomping grounds of Civil War battles, and no matter where you are, have some down-home Southern cooking.

The French and Spanish both tried to unsuccessfully colonize South Carolina in the 1560s, but it was the English who stuck it out. Charleston, the state's second most populous city, was founded in 1680. Eventually the state was accepted into the Union in 1788 as the 8th state, but South Carolina became discontented with the Union as the country tried to abolish slavery. Wanting to keep to its old ways, South Carolina was the first to secede from the Union in 1860, thus starting the American Civil War. Today many of its battle sites can be visited, including Fort Sumter, where the first shots were fired.

South Carolina has over 1,300 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. No matter where you go in South Carolina, there is history to learn about and visit. If you happen to be in the Charleston area, there is an abundance of old mansions and plantations to visit. Drayton Hall was built in 1738 and is America's oldest plantation house that is open to the public. The Calhoun Mansion features amazing architecture. Once owned by George Walton Williams and it will really transport its visitors back in time! Also open to the public are the Aiken-Rhett House and the Edmondston-Alston House (also a museum).

Visitors also have the option of seeing an abundance of manicured land: parks and plantation gardens will dazzle visitors and leave the lasting charm of the South in their minds. In Charleston, see the Charleston Waterfront Park, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and Middleton Place. For a pleasant cruise around the Charleston waterfront, hop a ride on the Charleston Water Taxi, an efficient and fun way to view the Charleston harbor. The boat runs between various different tourist points and the pass lasts all day so you can keep jumping on!

Visitors to Columbia have a lot of options, too! The state capital boasts the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens, with family-friendly feel and stunning butterfly gardens! For some casual family entertainment, Columbia vacationers can visit Frankie's Fun Park where there are games and entertainment galore. Museum goers can stop at the South Carolina State Museum, with science demonstrations, beautiful fine art, a children's center and hands-on exhibits. Visitors can even sit in a replica of a steam engine and look at a huge recreation of a prehistoric white-shark! For a more child-focused museum, EdVenture is a great children's museum. And for fine art lovers, the Columbia Museum of Art is a fine place to visit, if a little small.

For historic houses and hot-spots, try the Governor's Mansion right in the heart of the city, the Wilson House, home to former president Woodrow Wilson, or the Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens, one of the oldest historical homes in the area.

There's also nearby outdoor fun to be had at Harbison State Forest where visitors can mountain bike and hike trails of varying difficulty. Of course, there's plenty of outdoor fun for visitors to Myrtle Beach. Beautiful white sandy beaches and picturesque blue oceans stretch for miles along this fabulous beach. If a vacationer gets tired of the sunny beaches and clear waters, there's plenty of golfing in the area, as well as horseback riding and live music shows. Plus, there's always a trip to Family Kingdom Amusement Park with over 30 rides, including a wooden roller coaster!

No matter where you stay in South Carolina, Hotels.bz will see you through with a great list of budget hotels and luxury hotels with more in the middle, too!

For the best budget hotels try these gems:

Days Inn Patriots Point - Starting at $63 a night this Charleston hotel is close to the USS Yorktown and the Maritime Museum. Complimentary newspapers and Wi-Fi make it a great budget hotel.
Affordable Suites Deluxe - Starting at $79 a night this Columbia hotel is close to the Botanical Garden and USC. While you're there, enjoy the outdoor pool and fitness facility!
Red Roof Inn Myrtle Beach - Starting at $50 a night this hotel is a bargain! Right near the beach in Market Commons, the hotel is near to all of the amazing Myrtle Beach spots you want to visit, and has a complimentary breakfast and newspapers!

For mid-range hotels try these great hotels:

Francis Marion Hotel - Starting at $129 a night this hotel is in Charleston's historic neighborhood, and is close to the USS Yorktown and Marion Square. The hotel has a restaurant and coffee shop, and limited room service, plus a full-service health spa!
Inn at USC - Starting at $108 a night this cute inn is right on the University of South Carolina campus in Columbia. Each room has its own balcony and premium bedding – More like a suite than a hotel room, and with free Wi-Fi and breakfast!
3 Palms Oceanfront Resort - Starting at $90 a night, you can't beat this price for being right on the beach. The hotel is also close to Family Kingdom Amusement Park and other great tourist attractions. The restaurant serves three meals and the hotel has 2 outdoor pools, a lazy river, and a fitness facility!

If you're taking out all the stops, try these amazing luxury hotels with amenities to make you feel on top of the world:

- Starting at $189 a night this hotel is right in Charlston's historic district, close to their open air market and the Confederate Museum. The Planter's Inn is quaint and well tended, with a restaurant serving breakfast and dinner, limited room service, and free public Wi-Fi. A 4.5 star property!
Anderson Ocean Club and Spa - Starting at $189 a night this stunning spa/hotel is THE place to stay on Myrtle Beach! The resort features 2 outdoor swimming pools and 2 spa tubs, a lazy river, an indoor pool and a children's full. Plus it has a full-service spa with massages! The hotel is located directly on the beach and within range of The Children's Museum and MagiQuest!